Information Systems (IS) Graduate Schools

Graduate degree seekers can choose between Information Systems Schools that offer a broad business curriculum or a more tech-driven one. The elements of an information system are customers, business processes, products services and communication technology. A graduate degree in IS could therefore help students learn to build both shrewd management skills and technical software and hardware expertise. Consequently, students should look for a university that provides the balance in coursework that reflects their professional goals.

Computer Information Systems (CIS) Schools by contrast, might offer more in the way of technical coursework in computer science, database technology and software development. Either way, students study how to lead teams, think critically, and solve complex issues through the tools and methods they study.

Masters in Information Systems Schools

Schools for Masters in Information Systems programs award Master of Science (MS) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees. Most programs require students to complete about 30 to 36 credits and entail a thesis, final project and some form of summer internship.

Applicants do not necessarily need to be computer science majors, but are presumed to have earned a bachelors degree and must meet school and program prerequisites. That said, you should refer to individual universities to check admissions requirements.

Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) programs tend to prepare students for IT leadership. Management information systems explores the structure of IS in an enterprise. Components of MIS include human resources, software, hardware, files, databases and telecommunication. Other levels of MIS include business decisions and organizational plans. Students might therefore learn to design, implement and manage complex systems and IT projects from start to finish.

MBA programs tend to cover key business and operations courses. For instance, students might take courses in corporate finance, economics, statistical analysis and business law. From there, MBA students focus coursework in an information systems emphasis. Consequently, they might explore some of the technical courses from an MSIS program such as data analytics and cybersecurity.

Doctorate in Information Systems Schools

Schools for Doctorate in Information Systems award terminal degrees such as the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Doctor of Computer Science (DCS) and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). Most programs entail advanced coursework, research methods and completing a final dissertation or doctoral project. Applicants may need to have a masters degree in a related field, though admission requirements could vary and it is best to check with each university.

PhD in Information Systems programs are research focused. Students are usually asked to develop breadth and depth of knowledge in all areas of technology, leadership and business. Then, immerse themselves in independent research to be able to contribute new insight to their field.

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs often build on master’s level skills. They usually aim to develop students’ ability to conduct action research and grasp advanced theory. Coursework might therefore expand on topics such as marketing strategy, operations management, corporate and global finance. Information systems courses then add focus for further coursework and research on a relevant theme. Unlike the PhD, DBA programs encourage students to make use of the existing literature to help solve an industry problem.

Doctor of Computer Science (DCS) programs are the more technical of the doctoral degrees in information systems. Along with intensive research and written work, students may have the chance to explore several topics in-depth. Coursework might cover topics such as high-level design issues and security measures in distributed systems. Students might also learn to develop a software process improvement plan for an organization as well as to design, test and implement an experiment.

Graduate Certificate in Information Systems Schools

Some universities award graduate certificates in information systems. These programs tend to be shorter than a full graduate program, though they involve graduate-level courses. Courses are usually focused around a singular theme. Thus, students could explore new trends in their field or study to refresh their skills in preparation for a career change. For instance, a certificate in information systems could offer a series of four courses that target business intelligence, security, IS management and internet technologies. You may need to have earned a Masters degree in order to apply for graduate certificates in information systems. Thus, in some cases, a certificate might be used as a platform to pursue further education at the doctoral level.

The Next Step: Find Information Systems Schools & Choose an IS Degree

Do you hope to find Information Systems Schools in a specific city, state or country? No problem, we have on-page filters for that.

Wait, you prefer to search for a MSIS degree or see what is available in a PhD program? Great, refine your search for schools with Masters, Doctorate or Certificate levels. Any way you search, a list of sponsored schools is generated for you to compare. Then, easily contact the IS, MIS, or CIS schools on your list directly and right away!

By entering my email address and clicking "Sign Up" I agree to be contacted by EducationDynamics for additional education products and services, this submission is not required to use our site. Privacy Policy.